Prysmian to Manufacture Submarine Cables for Italy-Tunisia ELMED Interconnector
Prysmian Group has secured a contract to produce and install submarine power cables for the ELMED interconnector, a 600-megawatt electricity link between Italy and Tunisia. The project, valued at approximately €460 million for the cable portion, will see the Italian manufacturer utilize its specialized facility in Arco Felice, Naples, to produce the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables, according to official company statements.
What is the ELMED Project?
The ELMED project is a strategic energy infrastructure initiative designed to connect the Italian and Tunisian power grids. Managed by Terna, Italy’s national grid operator, and the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG), the project includes a 200-kilometer submarine cable spanning the Mediterranean Sea. According to Terna’s project documentation, the interconnector aims to increase the security of energy supply and promote the integration of renewable energy sources across the two continents. The European Commission has recognized the project as a Project of Common Interest (PCI), supporting its development with a €307 million grant under the Connecting Europe Facility.
Technical Specifications and Manufacturing
Prysmian will supply 600 kV mass-impregnated non-draining (MIND) cables, a technology designed to operate reliably at extreme depths. The manufacturing process at the Naples plant involves advanced insulation techniques to ensure the cables can withstand the intense pressure and environmental conditions of the Mediterranean floor. The project requires the installation of two parallel cables to facilitate bidirectional power flow. Prysmian confirmed that the manufacturing timeline is synchronized with the projected commissioning of the interconnector, which is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
Why the Italy-Tunisia Link Matters
This interconnector represents a shift in Mediterranean energy cooperation. Currently, energy markets in North Africa and Europe remain largely disconnected, limiting the ability to share surplus renewable energy. By establishing this link, Italy and Tunisia intend to:
- Stabilize Grids: Allow for the exchange of electricity to compensate for peak demand fluctuations.
- Decarbonization: Facilitate the export of solar energy generated in North Africa to the European market.
- Energy Security: Reduce reliance on single-source energy imports by diversifying the power supply mix.
Comparison of Regional Interconnectors
The ELMED project is part of a broader trend of cross-continental energy infrastructure development. When compared to the planned Mediterranean projects, the Italy-Tunisia link is distinguished by its deep-sea requirements. Unlike shorter, shallower interconnectors within the European Union, the ELMED line must traverse depths of up to 800 meters, necessitating the specialized cable design Prysmian is providing. This project follows the precedent set by the Italy-Montenegro interconnector, which established the feasibility of long-distance HVDC subsea links in the Adriatic and Mediterranean basins.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the total capacity of the ELMED interconnector? The project is designed for a total capacity of 600 MW.
- When will the project be completed? Terna and STEG have targeted 2028 for the entry into service of the interconnector.
- Who is funding the construction? The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility, alongside investments from Terna and STEG.
- How long is the submarine cable? The total length of the subsea route is approximately 200 kilometers.